This One’s for the Men

Tanya McEvoy from Pilates Fix shares why Reformer Pilates isn’t just for women – and how more men are now discovering its power to build strength, flexibility and balance.

We’ve noticed something funny over the years at Pilates Fix – most men seem to think Pilates is only for women. They picture a room full of stretches and calm music and assume it’s not really for them. When they don’t realise is that Pilates was actually created by a man — Joseph Pilates — and it started as a form of rehabilitation for soldiers during World War II. It’s one of the most effective, intelligent forms of full-body training ever designed, and once men try it, they’re hooked.

Reformer Pilates is far more than stretching. It’s a serious workout that strengthens deep core muscles, builds stability, and improves balance and mobility. Every movement demands focus and control. It’s about precision, not power – and that’s exactly why it works.

When you train the smaller stabilising muscles that most traditional workouts miss, you not only move better, you move smarter. Many professional athletes, from footballers to golfers, now include Reformer Pilates as part of their training. It enhances performance, prevents injury and improves recovery. But it’s not just for the sporty types. It’s for anyone who wants to strengthen their back, ease joint pain or simply feel stronger and more balanced in day-to-day life.

Why Men Are Starting to Join In

At Pilates Fix, our classes are still around 99 per cent women – which is a shame, because men need this as much as anyone. So recently, we decided to do something about it and launched our men’s-only Reformer class with our instructor Ronan. The response has been incredible. The classes are full, the atmosphere is brilliant, and the men leave saying the same thing: “That was tougher than I thought!”

What surprises them most is how challenging it is – but also how quickly they feel the benefits. Within a few sessions, they notice better flexibility, stronger cores and greater ease when sitting or training. Reformer Pilates also helps counteract tightness from weightlifting or long hours at a desk. And because the exercise is low-impact, it is ideal for men who want to build strength without putting extra strain on their joints.

Ladies, Take Note…

So ladies, if there’s a man in your life who keeps complaining about a sore back, tight hamstrings or feeling stiff after training, tell him this: Pilates isn’t a women’s workout. It’s one of the most complete, effective forms of exercise out there – and it could change the way he moves and feels for good.

We’d love to welcome him to Pilates Fix Studio and help him start his Reformer journey. Once he tries it, he’ll wonder why he didn’t begin sooner.

Pilates Fix Studio

31–33 Monaghan Street, Newry, Co. Down
📧 Email: tanya-pilates-76@outlook.com
📞 Tel: 07915567641